Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Tannery Industry Fleshing Wastes Using Response Surface Methodology

In response to rising emissions and pollutants, an alternative and environmentally friendly synthesis is gaining prominence on the energy sources. The leather industries generate substantial amount of waste including fleshing oil, a byproduct of leather processing, is rich in lipids and presents a viable feedstock for biodiesel production. In this research work, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the conversion of leather fleshing oil into biodiesel using three parameters such as operating temperature, reaction time, and molar ratio. Experiments were carried out to determine the most optimal conditions and the response on yield (%) and viscosity (mm2/s) based on a 17-run Box–Behnken Design matrix. Stochastic model parameters such as R2 (0.9715 and 0.9793), adjusted R2 (0.9349 and 0.9527), predicted R2 (0.8327 and 0.7656), and high F-values (26.52 and 36.78) of both responses (yield and viscosity) were found to be statistically significant and warranted model adequacy. ANOVA and regression analysis resulted in significant two-way interactions among variables relating to response. The optimal conditions were predicted at 61°C, 180 minutes of reaction time, and a molar ratio of 10:1 generated a yield of 92.901% with the viscosity of 3.629. Experimental trails were conducted at the predicted conditions and found a maximum yield of 90.52% with the minimum viscosity of 3.46. The predicted and experimental results were reported to be in close agreement. Keywords: Biodiesel, Fleshing oil, Optimization, Tannery, Response Surface Methodology